Fun… Inspiration… Life… Management… for I-ndustry N' Kids

Archive for January, 2011

The start of the new year typically has one setting resolutions to improve facets of one’s life over the next year. If you go by advertisements and sales, the major areas for improvement are: diet & health, exercise, career and money (savings).

But as the weeks slip by, you start to wonder if it’s too late for making resolutions. You have to admit you’re no longer writing 2010 when you mean to write 2011. The year is no longer new. Heavy sigh. Have you failed even before you started? And this year you may have really wanted to make significant change in your life!

Have no fear. Each year is filled with multiple “new years.” Why do you have to restrict yourself to the Gregorian one? Maybe your timing with January 1 just doesn’t work. Choose another new year – one more appropriate to you instead. Here are a few to choose from in the next few months:

January 1 (the Gregorian calendar new year) – ok, this one is past. Did you know it was created in the 1500s and prior to its creation there were several calendars being used at the same time?

February 3 (the Chinese new year… this year) – this date moves around a bit from year to year; in 2011 it’s on February 3. Each year is associated with an animal. Next up is Year of the Rabbit.

March 20 (a new year for Nature; the first day of spring) – who can argue with Nature as the start of a new year / new choices when life is blossoming around you? The Iranian calendar also synchronizes nicely with this date as the official start of the new year.

April 24 – (a church new year; Easter) – this one is another new year that moves around a bit year after year. The traditional start of its church year, it is a time associated with rebirth.

None of these are suited enough to you? Then what about…

A film industry new year – “What?” you say. “Could there be such a thing?” In film, anything is possible so why not! In this case, I recommend you make up and recommend an appropriate tradition. In “Gone With the Wind” for example, Scarlett tells us that “tomorrow is another day”. Hmmm… well, as long as you make tomorrow into “today” when you wake up in the morning, then tomorrow is an excellent day to resolve to improve your life! Get right on it!

Good cheer & much success to you for your new year (whenever it is),
Deb

Most of the favourite blog posts appear to deal with sourcing free information… the top one being the Free Film Budget by co-MWP author Deke Simon. Well, I hear you and will bring you more “free” again this year. No worries!

Deb’s F.I.L.M. Blog & social community at Facebook:

A growing community from at least 7 countries around the world; a great place to connect – like a virtual porch

Held some great contests in the last year and gave away books and budgeting pencils. we’ll have to do that again! Yes?

Deb’s books – published by MWP Books:
As you may know, this blog – as well as the film resource links at debpatz.com – are companions to my books on film production management and coordination.

My book “Film Production Management 101” was one of the top selling MWP books in the last quarter of 2010 (the new edition, as you may know, came to market mid/late last year) – thank you very much for your part in making it happen!

Deb’s books are now available in at least 27 countries around the world! Wow. My books are more travelled than me!﻿

Thanks again for your part in the success of Deb’s F.I.L.M. Blog (and books)! Please continue to spread the word! And here’s looking forward to more posts, more connecting, more F-un, I-nspiration, L-ife & M-anagement!

It hurts that Kathleen is losing her business at this point in the film. She has such an important message to say. I believe her. Whatever we do – in whatever facet of our life – it ought to begin by being personal. We are people journeying life together. We are not numbers. We are not statistics. We are individuals. Find the people in our careers. Connect with them. We are a community. We are all people. We are all personal. Right-on, Kathleen. Good reminder!

Deborah S. Patz

I'm the author of "Film Production Management 101", and have worked in many facets of the film and television industry since the mid-80s, especially managing film and TV productions. I believe in making dreams come true.

This F.I.L.M. blog is to entertain, to inspire, to mentor about the industry... especially when you only have a moment or two to spare in this busy lifestyle.